News

12 May Here’s who’s emceeing the 2015 SPJ Awards Gala

KIRO Radio’s Colleen O’Brien and KIRO 7’s Morgan Palmer.

We’re so thrilled they can join us to recognize the best journalism in the Northwest at the 2015 SPJ Awards Gala June 13!

Got your tickets yet? Buy them today!

COLLEEN O’BRIEN

Colleen is the morning anchor/host alongside Dave Ross of Seattle’s Morning News KIRO 97.3 FM. She was born and raised in Marysville, studied Communications and Women’s Studies at the University of Washington and, in 2004, started her career in Seattle radio at KOMO where she worked as a reporter, anchor and editor. In 2008, when a shot at television news came up at KXLY TV in Spokane, she thought, “Why not?” Five years later, she’s beyond thrilled to make the move back to her first loves – Seattle and radio. “I bring with me a charming husband, Kris, who is a mighty fine cook and an adorable daughter, Elliette, who has primed me for a life of sleep deprivation (bring it, morning show).”

MORGAN PALMER

Meteorologist Morgan Palmer serves as meteorologist for weekday editions of KIRO 7 Eyewitness News. Morgan began “chasing” storms as a Skywarn severe storm spotter while a teenager and continues to pursue severe storms when time permits. He also served several years as a moderator of Stormtrack, the world’s largest online forum for storm chasers. Morgan is also a licensed amateur radio operator and enjoys hiking and exploring, especially in the mountains. He completed advanced meteorology studies at Mississippi State University. He also holds a prior degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and spent the early years of his career at a Texas television station as a news anchor, reporter and meteorologist. He is a native of Abilene, Texas.

Morgan has family who have called Western Washington home for many years.

A self-described “Twitter addict,” Morgan tweets very frequently about weather and other interests at @MorganKIRO7 and loves to hear feedback from viewers. He is also on Facebook.

Morgan Palmer joined KIRO 7 in April 2011 from WBBH in Fort Myers, Florida, where he served as meteorologist for various weekday newscasts. He holds the television Seals of Approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA).